TVTV NewsBBCA new 10-part BBC period drama and Pride and Prejudice spin-off based on Janice Hadlow's bestselling novel12:07, 20 May 2026BBC audiences have been heaping praise on a new period drama inspired by a beloved book after watching every episode. The Other Bennet Sister is a series based on Janice Hadlow's chart-topping novel, offering a reimagining of Jane Austen's timeless Pride and Prejudice.‌Rather than spotlighting Elizabeth and Jane Bennet, this 10-episode TV adaptation follows Mary Bennet, who was raised being labelled the plain, bookish sister among a household of lively personalities.‌The programme charts Mary's path towards finding herself following her father's unexpected passing.‌Lead character Mary is played by Call The Midwife and Bridgerton actress Ella Bruccoleri, while the production boasts impressive talent, including Richard E. Grant as Mr Bennet and Ruth Jones as her domineering mother, Mrs Bennet."Everyone across the board was perfectly cast in the show," Ella told the BBC of the show's casting. "It just makes your job really easy because you're playing across from people that are not only really good but who inhabit their characters very fully".The series has earned a 97 % score on Rotten Tomatoes and has been lauded as surpassing Pride and Prejudice itself, reports the Express.‌One viewer wrote: "This show is a masterpiece. Can't begin to tell you how heart-wrenching and uplifting this is for me. All of it - the writing, wardrobe, locations. It's truly outstanding."A second viewer enthused: "Refreshing, delightful, lighthearted, all the good feelings you want to feel, all wrapped in this series. Perfect for when you're feeling down and need a getaway. Beautiful atmosphere, nice humour, bubbly romance, you're just in for great things."‌A third wrote: "The best series I've watched this year. Just pure gold. The production actually gets what women want. Usually you see men who go to brothels and act hard to get."Another remarked: "The Other Bennet Sister might be better than Pride and Prejudice and Bridgerton."Article continues belowOne devoted fan gushed: "I didn't expect to fall so completely in love with this adaptation, but The Other Bennet Sister absolutely charmed me from start to finish."A further viewer commented: "Giving classic Sunday night TV vibes. Really nice to connect with an old story through a new lens. I love Mary so much. I'm rooting for her the whole time."The Other Bennet Sister is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌BBCRuth JonesRichard E. GrantJane AustenCall The MidwifeLove